Inauguration

It's been a long time since the last entry only because there's been so much going on lately. Most recently and the most exciting was President Obama's Inauguration! We were so lucky and Ian was able to get us tickets to both the Ceremony and an Official Inaugural Ball.

Inauguration day started early for us but not as early as most. By the time we woke up at 6 am and turned the tv on, the mall was already full of people who began their journey into DC in the wee hours of the morning. Since Ian had to drive his boss to the ceremony he was able to drive us all the way to the Capitol with no problems. We immediately got in line around 8:00 am and stood there until about 11:20 when we realized that our line was going no where and there was no chance we would be getting through our gate in time to watch the ceremony. Needless to say, the crowd of hundreds around us were not happy. I was with my friends, Joy and John, who traveled all the way from Seattle to witness history and unfortunately, Ian was separated from us and on his own. Joy, John and I got out of line and started to run around the crowd and through the streets so that we could get to the mall. We had to get to the mall. Miraculously, we found a way in by jumping a few barracades and made our way through the crowds to a great spot where we could see the Capitol and one of the jumbotrons. It was truly amazing. Behind us was a sea of people waving flags and cheering, an unbelieveable sight! Then Obama took his oath while the crowd stood watching and listening in complete silence. All those people and you couldn't hear anything but the sound of his voice. When he was done, an explosion of cheers and applause filled the air. It was amazing.

Ian had the same experience as us - he waited in a line that was going no where, made his way around, through and over to get in the mall and ended up in the same section as us but closer to the Capitol. That night Ian and I got all dressed up and attended the Midwestern Inaugural Ball. Sheryl Crow performed and we got to see VP Biden and his wife and President Obama and Michelle dance.

I also have to mention the celebrity sitings: Benicio del Toro, Courtney Cox & David Arquette, Coach Tony Dungy, Common, Shawn Springs, one of the Bachelors and Wolf Blitzer.

Sorry all the pictures below are all mixed up. I couldn't figure out how to organize them.

HOLIDAY FUN & WINTER WONDERLAND

Ian and I spent the holidays in Washington State this year. We were at my parents house on Christmas Eve then flew to Spokane to spend Christmas with Ian's family, then back to Seattle for New Year's Eve. it was a jam packed holiday season filled with family, friends, lots of snow, and even a little ski trip.

For those of you wondering, Squirrel's first trip on a plane and to Seattle went well. She managed to sneak out of her bag twice while I was in line for security and twice while we were on the plane. Luckily, I caught her before she got in the aisle! She stayed at my parents while we were in Spokane and quickly fell in love with my mom and followed her everywhere. Unfortunately, she never made friends with Ruby (my parents Boxer) who tried to play with her and knocked her over with one small pat with her paw. That scared the living daylights out of Squirrel and she could never be in the same room with Ruby again.

Hi Ian and Rose,Wow-what an experience for both of you. When I was watching on TV, I was deeply touch just by what's happening at that moment. Hopefully, things will really change- we need it bad. I worry about my grandchildren's future- they will be the ones that will be affected the most. Well ,I miss you both and most especially Squirrel. Love , Mom